Naomi Howarth is an author, illustrator, and designer based in London. With around five years of experience, she’s known for creating colorful, easy-to-understand visuals that make topics like relationships feel more approachable. Through her work, she turns complex ideas into simple content that speaks to people on a personal level.
Today, we’re talking with Naomi about something interesting—how design influences the way we see love and connection. From color choices to layout and style, design can shape how romantic messages are felt and understood. Let’s hear Naomi’s thoughts on how creativity meets emotion in relationship-focused design.
How did you first become interested in the connection between color psychology and romantic relationships?
I got hooked on the connection between color psychology and romantic relationships while working on my graphic design projects. I spend my days making stats and research pop with colorful graphs for articles. One day, I noticed how certain colors in my designs—like reds and pinks—kept grabbing people’s attention when the topic was love. That got me thinking: do colors shape how we feel about romance? I started playing around with hues in my work, seeing how they could shift moods or spark ideas about relationships. My time as an author and designer in London just fueled that interest more—mixing colors with love turned into a fun puzzle I couldn’t resist solving!
Which colors do you believe are most commonly associated with love, and how do their meanings differ across cultures?
I’d say red and pink top the list for colors tied to love. Red’s all about passion and energy—think beating hearts and roses. Pink feels softer, more about tenderness and care. But it changes depending on where you are. In Western places like London, red screams romance, no question. In China, though, it’s luck and celebration—love gets wrapped into that too. Pink’s pretty universal for affection, but in Japan, it can lean more playful, less serious. I’ve seen this stuff pop up in my design work—colors hit different depending on who’s looking. Makes my graphs and articles way more fun to play with!
Can certain colors unconsciously affect how people perceive compatibility or affection in relationships?
Absolutely. Colors can shape how we see relationships without us even realizing it. Red, for example, is often linked to passion and attraction, which is why it’s so common in romantic settings. On the other hand, soft pinks and warm peaches tend to give off a more affectionate vibe. Blue, especially lighter shades, can make something feel trustworthy and calm, which might explain why it often pops up in dating apps. It’s not just about what we like—it’s how certain colors make us feel about the person or situation we’re looking at.
How do you approach emotional design when creating content about relationships?
I try to keep it simple and relatable. When creating relationship content, I think about how certain colors, shapes, and layouts can make someone feel understood or comforted. Soft, warm tones often work well for topics about trust and connection, while brighter colors can add energy when talking about passion or excitement. I also pay attention to spacing and design flow—it’s not just about looking nice, but making sure the content feels approachable and easy to connect with. The goal is always to reflect the emotions behind the message.
Have you found that specific color palettes can reinforce trust, intimacy, or passion in relationship-focused branding?
Definitely. Colors can really shape how a brand feels, especially when it comes to relationships. Soft blues and gentle greens often create a sense of trust and calm, while warm tones like peach or blush pink can make something feel more intimate and approachable. Passion, on the other hand, tends to come through with deep reds or bold purples. It’s about picking pretty colors and choosing shades that match the mood you want people to feel when they connect with the content.
How do you balance aesthetic appeal with emotional resonance when designing for relationship-themed projects?
I always start by thinking about the feeling I want to create. Aesthetic appeal matters, but it has to match the tone of the message. For relationship projects, soft, warm colors often make content feel more personal and comforting, while clean layouts keep things clear and easy to connect with. I avoid anything too flashy if the topic is emotional and choose more playful elements if it’s lighthearted. It’s really about finding a balance where the design supports the message without overpowering it.
What role does visual communication play in conveying the complexities of modern relationships?
Visual communication makes complex relationship topics easier to understand and relate to. Colors, shapes, and layouts can quickly set the mood—soft tones for comfort, bold ones for passion, and clean designs for clarity. Infographics, for example, can break down tricky subjects like communication patterns or emotional needs without feeling overwhelming. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about creating a visual language that helps people connect with the content on a personal level. When done right, design can make relationship advice feel more approachable and real.
How do you decide which visual elements best communicate different aspects of love and connection?
It really depends on the feeling I’m trying to get across. Soft, warm colors like pinks and peaches work well for themes of trust and affection, while deeper reds or purples can add passion. Shapes matter too—rounded edges give a more gentle, approachable feel, while sharper lines can make things look more serious. I also think about the tone of the content. If it’s about communication, I might go for clean, simple visuals to keep the focus clear. It’s all about making sure the design matches the mood of the message.
Can you share an example where design choices significantly changed the tone or impact of a relationship-themed project?
One project that stands out was an article about overcoming relationship challenges. Originally, the design had bold colors and sharp lines, which made the content feel more intense than intended. I switched to softer pastels, rounded shapes, and more white space. It immediately changed the tone, which made the content feel more supportive and less stressful. Readers said the new design made the advice easier to connect with because it felt like a conversation rather than a lecture. It showed me how much design can shape the emotional impact of a message.
How much influence do subtle design choices, like typography or layout, have on subconscious attraction?
Subtle design choices can have a huge impact without people even noticing. Typography, for example, sets the tone right away. A soft, rounded font can make content feel warm and friendly, while something more structured might feel formal or distant. Layout matters too—plenty of white space can create a calm, open vibe, while a crowded design can feel overwhelming. Even small things, like line spacing or how buttons are shaped, can make content feel more approachable. It’s all about creating a mood that feels right for the message.
Are there any surprising ways that design can affect how people interpret romantic messages or advice?
Definitely. Design can completely change how romantic messages or advice come across. For example, if relationship advice is paired with bold, sharp graphics and dark colors, it can feel more like a warning than support. On the other hand, soft pastels and rounded shapes can make the same advice feel comforting and approachable. Even something as small as font choice can shift the tone—a playful script might make the message feel lighthearted, while a clean sans-serif can make it seem more serious. It’s surprising how much those little details can shape someone’s emotional response.
How do you ensure that your designs speak to both conscious and subconscious perceptions of love?
I focus on creating designs that feel right, not just look good. For the conscious side, I choose colors, fonts, and layouts that match the tone of the message—like soft pinks and rounded fonts for warmth or deep reds for passion. On the subconscious side, it’s about balance and flow. Plenty of white space can make content feel calm and approachable, while clutter can create stress, even if people don’t realize why. It’s all about making sure the design supports the emotion behind the content, both on the surface and underneath.
How has working with relationship-focused content shaped your perspective on love and connection?
Working with relationship-focused content has shown me how much communication shapes love and connection. It’s not just about words—colors, design, and even layout can change how advice or stories feel. I’ve learned that warmth, trust, and understanding can be expressed visually. It’s also made me more aware of how small things, like tone and presentation, can either bring people closer or create distance. Designing for relationships has definitely made me more mindful about how we connect with each other, both online and offline.
Do you find that your own experiences with relationships influence the colors and styles you choose for your work?
Definitely. My own experiences with relationships often shape the colors and styles I choose. When working on content about trust and understanding, I naturally lean toward soft tones—probably because that’s what I associate with healthy communication. If the topic is more about passion or conflict, I might go for bolder shades with stronger contrasts. It’s not always a conscious decision, but I’ve noticed that the emotions I’ve felt in my own relationships often come through in the way I design. It makes the work feel more personal and real.
What advice would you give designers looking to create more emotionally resonant visuals for relationship content?
Start by thinking about the emotion you want to show. Colors, fonts, and layout all shape how people feel when they see your design. Soft, warm tones can make content feel comforting, while bolder shades add energy or passion. Keep the layout simple and easy to follow—relationship topics can be sensitive, so the design should feel welcoming, not overwhelming. Small details matter too, like rounded edges for a gentler vibe or more space around text to create calm. Most importantly, always ask yourself: does the design match the mood of the message?
With digital platforms continuing to grow, how do you see design trends around love and relationships evolving?
Design trends around love and relationships are becoming more personal and relatable. There’s a move away from the traditional bold reds and hearts to softer, muted tones like peach, sage, and lavender. These colors feel more modern and approachable. Digital platforms are also encouraging more interactive design, like animated illustrations and subtle motion effects, which add warmth without being overwhelming. Simple, clean layouts with plenty of white space are popular too, they help to make relationship content feel calm and easy to connect with. It’s all about creating trust and comfort.
Are there any emerging color trends or design approaches you think will redefine how romance is visually communicated?
Yes, there’s definitely a shift happening. Traditional reds and pinks are being replaced by softer, more personal tones like peach, lavender, and sage green. These colors feel more calming and inclusive, moving away from the old-fashioned, one-size-fits-all idea of romance. There’s also a rise in earth tones and pastel gradients, which give relationship content a warmer, more approachable vibe. Design-wise, there’s more focus on simplicity—clean layouts, hand-drawn elements, and subtle animations. It’s less about flashy visuals and more about creating a comfortable, honest feeling.
How can designers remain sensitive to cultural and emotional nuances when working with love-related themes?
It’s all about being open-minded. Love means different things across cultures, so it’s important to research and understand the audience you’re designing for. Colors, symbols, and even imagery can have different meanings depending on the context. For example, while red often represents passion in Western cultures, it symbolizes luck and celebration in many Asian cultures. I also try to avoid clichés and focus on more universal themes like connection, trust, and kindness. Listening to feedback from diverse voices helps keep the design respectful and relatable.
